A bouncy forward with length and touch, Manuel has built a strong reputation with his play. He's ranked the No. 6 power forward and the No. 33 recruit in the 2015 class by Scout.com.

"Arguably, Manuel's most impressive quality is a pair of sure hands and a soft shooting touch from the perimeter," wrote Scout.com Recruiting Analyst Rob Harrington. "He's a finesse big man with the skill level to succeed in that role, despite the fact that defensively he projects as a center.

"He's a good passer, baseline jump shooter and an unselfish competitor. He isn't a great athlete and can become more physical, but his long-term promise is evident."

The 6-foot-9, 200-pounder is averaging 8.4 points (54% FG) and 6.0 rebounds for The Family.

"I've been playing pretty good," said Manuel. "I'm trying to play against the best competition and get better. These are the best AAU squads... the best high school players in the country play on this circuit right here."

Manuel says he is hearing from several programs.

"Right now it's Michigan, Michigan State, Eastern Michigan, NC State, Providence, Wake Forest, Boston College, and Oregon," he said. "I'm going to learn more about all of them as I go on."

Like AAU teammate Eric Davis, Manuel is seriously interested in NC State. He is also a prep teammate of Wolfpack signees Caleb and Cody Martin.

"I talk to twins all the time," said Manuel. "I talk to them to see how they like it, I'll see how they do there. They said it's a good school, and it's a good place to go.

"They said that if you play well coach Gottfried's going to let everyone play. I like that about them."

Like a lot of 2015 prospects, Manuel's recruitment is moving at a slow pace.

"I'm just waiting to see who else comes in contact, and I'll go from there," he said. "I'd like to make a decision by the start of my school year. I'll start setting up my visits real soon so I can have them taken by my school year."